Mandi Van Buren

Mandi Van Buren is an account specialist and former DNA Analyst with DNA Labs International (DLI).  Prior to DLI, she was the DNA Technical Leader for the Kern Regional Crime Laboratory in California.  Mandi graduated from the University of Florida with a Master’s Degree in Pharmacy specializing in forensic drug chemistry and the University of Tampa with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology.

She began her forensic career at the Utah Bureau of Forensic Services and now has over 17 years of experience as a DNA analyst in forensic casework, crime scene processing and 7 years as a drug chemist.  Beyond casework, her expertise is in advanced DNA technologies such as next generation sequencing (NGS) and probabilistic genotyping including validations, implementation, training and expert testimony.  During her time as the DNA Technical Leader, Mandi led the efforts in successfully validating and implementing NGS into forensic casework ultimately leading to the first successful admissibility hearing using NGS in the United States.